Members Of USMMA Men’s Basketball Team Visit Local Children’s Hospital

Jun 13, 2018

KINGS POINT, N.Y. (June 13, 2018) – Earlier this month, members of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy men's basketball team visited St. Mary's Hospital for Children in nearby Bayside, Queens. Rising-seniors David Washington (Frisco, Texas) and Kiani Espiritu (Bakersfield, Calif.) as well as rising-sophomore Seth Barnes (Chillicothe, Ohio), along with first-year head coach Rob Pryor, stopped by the hospital to do their part in brightening the young patients' days.

The Mariners on hand got to spend some quality time with the kids and young adults at the hospital. They played some basketball, participated in other outdoor activities, and had the opportunity to get to know some strong and incredible young people.

"Our senior leadership did a great job in organizing the service project," said Pryor. "In the process, they exhibited one of USMMA's core values and represented our Academy well. Community service is one of the four pillars of our program and is critical to the overall development of our Midshipman."

The amazing staff at the hospital also did its part to make the day as wonderful as possible for all involved and it was a memorable experience for everyone from the patients and staff to the Midshipmen that participated in the community service event.

The Mariner student-athletes left with nothing but positive feelings about the whole experience.

"I really enjoyed having the opportunity to give back and spend time with some of the children and young adults at St. Mary's Children's Hospital," commented Washington. "It was great to be able to put a smile on their faces and to see the team interacting with the students. I am looking forward to going back in the future.

And the Mariners will be making a habit of this, as they have numerous other community service events planned throughout the remainder of the year.

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